Getting dicked around... - Page 4

Picus · 08-06-08, 07:31

Ya, some of the stories here sound familiar. In the end, as many have mentioned, it's important to dictate some part of the process to the customers, not just have them call all the shots. For me, the client needs to be there when I leave. Payment is not optional. I will make exceptions if I am comfortable, but arranging payment terms ahead of time means when I am done, you pay me. Same with arrival - someone is there that knows I will be there, or I am not there.

As for cancellations... less than 24 hours if it's correction = 50% of the estimated cost.

Scottwax · 08-06-08, 09:26

Most of my customers are great. I have a regular Thursday afternoon customer who called me this afternoon to let me know a construction crew was pouring the slab on the lot next to his (new neighborhood) and one of the cars I did last week for him hasn't been out of the garage and he needs his Rover. The only one he'd have is the H2 and he gave me the option of waiting until next week so I didn't have to come out for just one car that will probably get trashed right away due to the construction anyway. I thanked him for letting me know in advance and because of the circumstances it would be best to wait until next week.

Gave me a full afternoon slot for my Rolls customer who called me tonight and wants the interior detailed and another coat of wax.

backwoods_lex · 08-07-08, 10:27

A while ago I had a guy sneak out when I was close to finishing his F-250. I didn't even realize it until I had finished and was going to have him inspect it. I knocked and knocked and made around 10 calls to his cell phone (not the usual business practice, but this guy was shady). The 11th phone call was to let him know I was taking the keys with me and he could have them back when I get paid. 10 minutes later my phone call is returned and he has returned to the house just after I left. He let it slip later that someone was late on rent and that is why he didn't have the money.

I did get paid that day (finally), and I will do work for him again, but payment will be up front and he will be subject to the 10% stupid/shady/scumbag tax.

JRock10 · 08-10-08, 08:33

any of you guys ever thought of setting up an ach from your bum customers? tell them you need a credit card on file to bill them after services rendered?